The Committee of Experts

Michel Debes is a member of the French Nuclear Energy Society (SFEN). He works mainly on issues relating to the operation, management and development of nuclear safety, as well as the nuclear fuel cycle.

In 1973, he graduated from the École Polytechnique with an engineering degree in physics and mathematics, and went on to specialise in mechanical construction, thermal-hydraulics and civil engineering at the Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussées, from which he graduated in 1975.

His first experience was in the analysis of nuclear safety and the regulatory framework (1976-1983), where he worked with IRSN and the French Nuclear Safety Authority. His career then continued at EDF (1983-2016), mainly in the fields of operation, maintenance and safety of nuclear power plants and the nuclear fuel cycle. He held various positions. Then, as International Relations Delegate within the Nuclear Engineering and Production Division, he managed activities relating to the IAEA and international organisations (World Nuclear Association, WNTI, American Nuclear Society) as well as international expertise and development projects.

Michel Debes is currently a consultant with MDJ-Energy Consulting and NucAdvisor in the energy and nuclear sector. He teaches in the International Nuclear Energy Master’s programme at INSTN and École centrale Supelec.